Our Leadership
SMVOS is run entirely by passionate local volunteers who advocate for, build, and maintain public trail corridors.
Officers
Jon Blanchard
President
Paul Bartsch
Treasurer
Tom Gulliver
Secretary
Board of Directors
Special Appointment — Founder: Luis Escobar
Our History
The Santa Maria Valley Open Space non-profit formed as a group of volunteers with a common interest in creating a recreational trail system that would serve the community of Orcutt and the general Santa Maria Valley. The Central Coast is blessed to have magnificent natural resources for us to enjoy. The surrounding area has State and County beaches, Point Sal, and the Los Padres Forest, which many of us travel to enjoy.
However, undeveloped public open space was historically unavailable to Valley residents for passive and spontaneous recreation. Urbanization of the valley continues, encroaching upon natural areas. The community of Orcutt is surrounded by rolling hills that serve as resource for ranching and oil operations but lacked public access.
In 2011, the enforcement of private property rights on properties in south Orcutt by the County Sheriff Department eliminated the only "unofficial" trail system that was being used by the community. Luis Escobar rallied together folks he met on these extensive trails, starting a movement that quickly spread by word of mouth, resulting in the creation of SMVOS.
We approach this project as partners in the community. By working cooperatively with landowners, oil companies, ranchers, and Santa Barbara County Parks, we have turned planning documents (like the 1997 Orcutt Community Plan) into real trails on the ground, creating a comprehensive network that adds value to our community while reducing liability and trespass risks for landowners.
Core Values
These principles guide our advocacy, trail building, maintenance, and community cooperation.
Passive Access
Trails are open to the general public. Membership to a club or organization is never required for their use.
Spontaneous Access
Trails are accessible 7 days a week, from at least sunup to sundown, without requiring advance reservations, permits, or approvals.
Multi-Use Focus
The trail system provides for multi-use activities including hiking, running, mountain biking, equestrian, and dog walking.
Dogs Welcome
Dogs are free to use all trails when accompanied by owners, under voice control or leashed as a courtesy to others. Owners must pick up and pack out waste.
Natural Settings
Trails are open and built away from buildings, roads, and urban noise, providing quiet, seclusion, and closeness to nature.
Free Access for All
Interaction with nature is vital to a healthy community. Access to open spaces should be free and accessible to all residents.
No Trailhead Fees
Parking or trailhead fees deter spontaneous use. We fund trail creation and maintenance through community donations and volunteers.
User Stewardship
Those who enjoy the trails are their primary stewards and hold a collective obligation to assist with time and resources to maintain them.
Non-Motorized Use
Trails are built exclusively for non-motorized access, protecting environmental quiet and safety (with provisions for standard bicycles).
Leave No Trace
We practice "Leave No Trace" principles: pack out what you pack in, respect wildlife, minimize erosion, and respect the outdoors.
Respect Property Rights
Always respect private property rights, active ranching boundaries, oil field operations, and neighboring residents. Compromise and partnership are key to our long-term trail network expansion.